The casual dining restaurant, known for signature items like “riblets,” will be opening a location at the Throggs Neck Shopping Center in Ferry Point. The center, anchored by Target and junior anchored by TJ Maxx, is slated to open in March 2014 and offer approximately 285,000 square feet of retail space.

“One factor was the absence of any American family-style restaurant nearby,” a spokesman from Simone Development said about the Applebee’s attraction to the complex. “Applebee’s was also attracted by the opportunity to be in a property with outstanding access, and in close proximity to several other major retailers.”

Miles Mahony of Ripco Real Estate represented both parties in the transaction as the exclusive leasing agent for the complex. His colleague, Todd Cooper, also contributes to leasing activity.

The deal comes in the light of the recent signing with MetroOptics Eyewear, a leading eyewear services provider, that leased a 4,131-square-foot office within the complex. TJ Maxx recently signed as well, taking 28,000 square feet that qualified them as a junior anchor to the development.

“We are extremely happy to announce these new leases at Throggs Neck Shopping Center representing our continued commitment to providing an attractive mix of local and national retailers to best serve the surrounding neighborhoods,” said Joseph Simone, president of Simone Development, in a prepared statement.

The complex has around 85,000 square feet of retail and restaurant space available. The development company is also behind large Bronx projects such as the Metro Center Atrium, Hutchinson Metro Center, and Montefiore Medical Park.